Speakers at the recently concluded two-day law and religion conference urged Nigerians to recognize the importance of the country’s ethnic and religious diversity and to tolerate one another.
The event, which was held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, was organized by WARCLARS and the International Centre for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) in collaboration with the Ikeja and Lagos chapters of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and saw the bar, the bench, and the town-gown converge for a better society.
Speaking on the theme of “Law and Religion: The Role of the State,” Prof. Wahab Egbewole, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, stated that the state must ensure that its citizens are free to practice their religious beliefs within the confines of the law.
He stated that every religion and law protects the life of every citizen, and that no individual should be forced to accept a belief system that he or she finds unconvincing.
According to the VC, adherents of any religion within the state should be protected from disparaging remarks intended to force them to adopt a secular stance.
Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju of the Supreme Court, for her part, identified the exchange of ideas as a critical component in moving society forward and advocated for religious tolerance.
Prof. Akin Ibidapo-Obe, the founding coordinator of the West African Centre for Law and Religion Studies (WARCLARS), noted that religion should be a unifying factor because the tenets of most religions appear to coincide, but added: “It is in practice that there are diversities.” As a result, the more understanding the faithful have, the less likely there will be conflict. The state must comprehend this intersection and take the appropriate stance.
“Bar members who care about the rule of law are aware of the developments and are developing expertise in the area of law and religion.” At the end of the day, there would be a point of convergence for legal practitioners, religious leaders, and members of society.”
